Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 4 call-purpose flour
- ¼ csugar
- 1 tspbaking soda
- 1 tspkosher salt
- 6 tbspcold salted butter
plus more for the pan
- ½ cgolden raisins
- ½ ccranberries
- 1 largeegg
- 1 ¾ cbuttermilk
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender or fingers, work 4 tablespoons of the cold butter into the flour until the butter is in small bits. Stir in the raisins and cranberries. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- 2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and the buttermilk, then pour it into the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir it together until the dough is barely incorporated (there will still be some dry flour in the bowl). Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring the dough together with your hands, kneading gently about 4 or 5 times, until a rough shaggy ball forms and no dry bits of flour remain.
- 3
Butter a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Place the dough in the skillet and press to form a 7-inch round loaf, about 1 ¼ inches tall. With a sharp knife dusted with flour, cut a large "X" on the top of the dough, about 1 inch deep and 6 ½ inches long. Bake until golden brown and the center is set, 50 to 55 minutes, tenting with foil after 35 to 40 minutes if the top is getting too dark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- 4
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush the top of the bread with the melted butter. Let cool for 10 minutes in the skillet before moving to a cooling rack. Let cool for 10 minutes more before slicing and serving warm.
Irish Soda Bread
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About this Recipe
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Homemade Irish Soda Bread
Prepare to bring a touch of Irish charm to your table with our incredibly easy and delightful Irish Soda Bread recipe. This isn't just any bread; it's a wonderfully quick homemade treat, perfect for your St. Patrick's Day feast, a cozy brunch, or even as a thoughtful food gift. Imagine a dense, tender crumb generously studded with sweet golden raisins and tangy dried cranberries – a truly irresistible combination that evokes warmth and comfort with every bite.
What makes this quick bread so special and perfect for baking? It's the ingenious simplicity of baking soda reacting with buttermilk, creating a beautiful rise and tender texture without the need for yeast or extensive kneading. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a gorgeous loaf ready for the oven, filling your home with an inviting aroma that promises a delicious experience in about an hour. This easy Irish Soda Bread recipe is a fantastic choice for beginner bakers looking for a rewarding project or seasoned cooks wanting a simple yet impressive side dish.
This traditional Irish loaf is incredibly versatile. Enjoy your warm homemade Irish Soda Bread slathered with butter and jam for a hearty breakfast or brunch. It also pairs beautifully alongside a savory Irish stew or a comforting bowl of soup, making it an excellent accompaniment for any meal. The unique flavor profile, balanced by the fruit, ensures it's a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a classic, comforting brunch bread, this recipe delivers on taste, tradition, and remarkable simplicity.